Tuesday, March 28, 2017

No Meeting this Thursday 30 March, 2017!

Friends-this is a reminder that Squadron 150 will NOT be having a meeting this Thursday 30 March, 2017. It is the fifth Thursday of the month and that generally means we go "dark" for the week.

We would like you to know however that 30 March is the birthday of Capt. David Powell, Squadron 150's commander! (And NO, this is not why we're not meeting tonight!)

So, Squadron 150 members feel free to send Capt. Powell your well-wishes, and guests, you can too! Just use the "Contact Us" form to the right.

Happy Birthday, Capt. David Powell!

We'll see you on 6 April for our first meeting of the month! If you'd like more information about Civil Air Patrol and/or Squadron 150 please contact us and we'll be in touch!

Tuesday, March 21, 2017

"So, what exactly does the Civil Air Patrol do??"

"So, what exactly does the Civil Air Patrol do??" As you can imagine we get asked this question a lot. People see members wearing uniforms similar to the U.S. Air Force (USAF), so they often make the connection that we're a part of the USAF family, after all CAP has been a part of the Air Force team since 1943 when CAP was transferred from the Office of Civilian Defense to the Department of War-under the jurisdiction of the US Army Air Forces. Incidentally CAP became a part of the USAF Total Force in 2015!



But still, there is often confusion as to what we do. How do we help the Air Force? Our nation? Our community? What would members be able to do in CAP? 

CAP has three main missions:

  • Emergency Services
  • Cadet Programs
  • Aerospace Education

According to the CAP website www.GoCivilAirPatrol.com here is what falls under "Emergency Services."
"Growing from its World War II experience, the Civil Air Patrol has continued to save lives and alleviate human suffering through a myriad of emergency-services and operational missions.
Search and Rescue                              
Perhaps best known for its search-and-rescue efforts, CAP flies more than 85 percent of all federal inland search-and-rescue missions directed by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fl. Outside the continental United States, CAP supports the Joint Rescue Coordination Centers in Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico. Just how effective are the CAP missions? Approximately 75-100 people are saved each year by CAP members.
Disaster Relief                               
Another important service CAP performs is disaster-relief operations. CAP provides air and ground transportation and an extensive communications network. Volunteer members fly disaster-relief officials to remote locations and provide manpower and leadership to local, state and national disaster-relief organizations. CAP has formal agreements with many government and humanitarian relief agencies including the American Red Cross, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Federal Aviation Administration, National Transportation Safety Board and the U.S. Coast Guard.
Humanitarian Services                           
CAP flies humanitarian missions, usually in support of the Red Cross-transporting time-sensitive medical materials including blood and human tissue, in situations where other means of transportation are not available.
Air Force Support                           
It's hardly surprising that CAP performs several missions in direct support of the U.S. Air Force. Specifically, CAP conducts light transport, communications support, and low-altitude route surveys. CAP also provides orientation flights for AFROTC cadets. Joint U.S. Air Force and CAP search-and-rescue exercises provide realistic training for missions. 
CounterdrugCAP joined the "war on drugs" in 1986 when, pursuant to congressional authorization, CAP signed an agreement with the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Customs Service offering CAP resources to help stem the flow of drugs into and within the United States."
What can YOU do in CAP? We invite you find out by visiting one of our meetings! For more information on Squadron 150 meeting location and time please click here

Tuesday, March 14, 2017

Announcing Level One Completions

Congratulations to Senior Members Erika Soto and Ivan Debucquois for completing Level One of the Civil Air Patrol Professional Development program! SMs Soto and Debucquois have already added tremendous value to our squadron during their time with us with their enthusiasm and commitment to the missions of CAP! Congratulations to the both of you and thank you for your service!

CAP Membership Ribbon awarded to those who complete Level One

Tuesday, March 07, 2017

Congratulations, Captain Mathieson!


Long Beach Senior Squadron 150 is pleased to announce the promotion of SM Gary N. Mathieson to the grade of Captain in Civil Air Patrol (CAP). Mathieson became a member of CAP in 2016 to, "Continue my service to the nation; to be with other committed professionals and to continue wearing an Air Force Uniform." 


Capt. Gary Mathieson (C) receiving his new grade insignia from Squadron 150 Commander Capt, David Powell (R) and Deputy Commander 2d Lt. Rommel Anacan (L)

In addition to his service in CAP Mathieson is currently a Staff Sergeant in the USAF Reserves, where he has served for 12 years. During his tenure in the USAFR Mathieson has served for three years as a C-141 Loadmaster, six years as a C-17 Loadmaster and four years in Combat Camera. Prior to his service in the USAFR, Mathieson was a Seabee for eight years in the US Navy Reserves. 

In his civilian life Mathieson has been a teacher for 23 years-having taught both physical education and special education during his career. Mathieson holds a Masters Degree in Special Education, which combined with his squadron role as an Aerospace Education Officer, qualified him for a advanced promotion from Senior Member to Captain. 

Mathieson also serves as Squadron 150's historian and is currently in training as an aircrew Mission Scanner. 

Congratulations Captain Mathieson!